Stagecoach East Midlands has entered into a partnership to provide apprenticeship schemes for its drivers. The bus company has joined forces with national training provider Interserve Learning & Employment, as part of a wider national drive by Stagecoach to implement a high standard of training for its employees.
The scheme aims to deliver a cohesive programme of training and support to new drivers, with a focus on customer service, safety, excellent driving ability, good decision-making skills and the ability to deal with challenging situations. Stagecoach East Midlands will be implementing the ‘Passenger Transport Driver Bus and Coach apprenticeship’ throughout its depots, giving new trainee drivers, who are not PCV licence holders, the opportunity to complete the scheme.
Matt Cranwell, Managing Director, Stagecoach East Midlands said: “As a large employer in the East Midlands we want to demonstrate our commitment to our employees and future employees by investing in the best possible training for our drivers and provide them with a rewarding career.
“Our passengers will also benefit from the enhanced training, their safety being our paramount priority, along with delivering a well-rounded customer experience that they can enjoy. We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Interserve Learning & Employment.”
Gregg Scott, Managing Director of Interserve Learning & Employment said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Stagecoach East Midlands as we roll out the passenger transport apprenticeship.
“Interserve Learning & Employment was the country’s first large training provider to launch a bespoke apprenticeship for bus drivers and we have a proven track record in this sector. Since February 2018, we have worked collaboratively with Stagecoach to train over 200 new drivers. Those who have gone on to reach End Point Assessment have all successfully passed their qualification. We look forward to sharing our expertise in delivering best-in-class apprenticeships.”
